Many people move into their new homes because they have purchased a new house or rented another one. The homeownership rate in the US increased to 65.9% in 2022 from 63.7% in 2016.
You, too, might have found your new home, and it is time to move in. Before you do, however, there are a few last-minute tasks that need to be taken care of so that you can get settled as quickly as possible. Below we’ve outlined a pre-move-in checklist with everything you need to do before moving day arrives and after.
Table of Contents
Transfer Utilities
We’ll start with the one of the most important tasks, transferring your utilities. If you’ve rented before, you probably know how to do this. However, some things can make the process easier and prevent unnecessary headaches later.
First, check if a deposit is required for any of your utilities. You’ll want to have this amount ready so that it doesn’t delay getting everything set up once you move into your new home. Also, make sure they accept auto pay and set it up as soon as possible so they’re not charging late fees every month.
Do a Home Inspection
A home inspection is a critical step in the moving process. It’s the only way to ensure your new home is safe and sound, so inspecting it before you move in is important.
To ensure your new place won’t fall apart on its own, have an inspector walk through all its major systems, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roofing materials, and foundation integrity.
An inspection isn’t just about spotting potential problems. It can also help identify improvements that could be made without spending too much money.
The number of people getting home inspections has increased. According to the Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors, 17.5% more homebuyers requested inspections in 2020. Hence, the demand for home inspectors is expected to increase over time.
However, there are different types and places for inspection. How to know what assessments you need? This is where having a home inspection checklist can help. The checklist can include where home inspectors should check, including the kitchen, bathrooms, roof, interior, exterior, etc.
You can research online to get help with creating your checklist. Online moving resources can also help you understand how much it will cost and plan your budget accordingly.. Hence, having a home inspection checklist is vital for a quality inspection that will get you a clear idea of the repairs needed before you move into a new house.
Update Your Mailing Address
It’s essential to update your mailing address with the post office, the DMV, and any other company that sends you mail. You’ll want a valid mailing address before moving into your new place.
- Update Your Mailing Address With the Post Office: This is generally done by filling out a Change of Address Form available at any post office or online through their website. The address change will cost you $1.10. You should not pay scammers who ask more than this.
- Update Your Mailing Address With the DMV: If you have an active driver’s license or state-issued ID card, it must be updated as soon as possible after moving into another state. The same goes for any vehicle registration documents. If they are still registered under your old address, they will not work when trying to get them renewed.
- Update Your Mailing Address With Important Companies You Do Business With: It’s also important that these companies know where they can send payments, bills, etc. Otherwise, things could get messed up pretty quickly.
Check Locks
The next thing on your pre-move-in checklist is checking all locks and ensuring they’re in good condition. If any locks are broken or missing, now might be a good time to replace them with new ones compatible with your home’s style and color scheme. Be sure not to forget about windows.
They may seem like an afterthought, but if an intruder can simply open one window and climb into your house undetected, they could easily steal valuable items from inside or, worse yet, break into another room while you’re asleep at night.
If you have any new tenants moving into their unit before you get there, make sure they know how important it is for everyone involved that everyone has access only through secure entrances rather than risking someone getting locked out accidentally due to faulty security systems.
Unchecked locks can attract burglars. Although the burglary rate is decreasing in the US, keeping your locks in check is best. According to Statista, the burglary rate was 271.1 cases per 100,000 in 2021, down from 308 cases in 2020.
Deep Clean All Rooms
Deep cleaning is an important task to complete before you settle in. Deep cleaning can be done by hand or with the help of a machine, depending on what needs to be cleaned and how much time you have.
- Deep clean all rooms, including windows and baseboards.
- Get rid of stains with an enzyme-based cleaner. Then, use vinegar and water to rinse away any remaining residue.
- To eliminate odors from pets or smokers, try a spray with an earthy scent that will leave your space smelling fresh.
Stock Each Room With Home Essentials
Buy what you need to make your new home feel like home, from bedding and towels to dishes and cookware. Remember that there might be a difference between what you’re used to using at your current place and what will work best for your new space. If necessary, consider buying some new appliances or furniture pieces.
Also, find out where the best deals are likely to be found by searching online or asking friends who have recently moved into their apartments about their favorite places for shopping for these items.
You’ll also consider whether stores near your home offer free delivery service. This could save money on labor costs if there’s no one around who can help carry heavy items upstairs.
Plan Your Move
Moving to a new home is a big undertaking. The more you plan for it, the less stress and hassle you will have during the move. To help make your move as smooth as possible, be sure to complete these tasks before you settle in:
- Make an inventory of all possessions and valuables to account for these items if they are damaged in transit or lost during storage.
- Create checklists of packing supplies and tools required. Consider investing in moving supplies instead of purchasing them individually because many stores offer discounts when buying multiple items.
Migrations are declining in the US. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, only 8.4% of Americans moved in 2021, down from 9.3% in 2020. But despite the decline, moving can be challenging. Everything from the packaging to missing the previous home can lead to moving-day anxiety. Hence, planning your move is crucial.
Conclusion
Good luck with your move. Hopefully, this checklist will help you out. Remember, there is no perfect way to move. It is vital to ensure you’re prepared for surprises and can easily handle them.
